Well, here they come again. The holidays, right on schedule. Lots of fun, very hectic and we wouldn't have it any other way. We have emphasized holiday baking the past few years, but this year I thought it would be fun to add something a little different. I happen to be a big fan of coffee cakes and actually prefer them to gooey sweets. There is nothing, in my opinion, like a nice hot espresso or lovely cup of tea to accompany a slice of coffee cake. So during the next few busy weeks try to take a moment to relax with one of these favorites. Sharing with your family and guests is also allowed. All can be made ahead of time and frozen, so they are ready when you are.

Carrot Coconut BreadPictured above

This is a lovely, dense breakfast treat and a nice change from toast. For a gluten-free bread, just substitute gluten-free flour for all-purpose flour. I love this recipe because it requires no mixer.

Heat oven to 375. Coat an 8 1/2 by 4 1/2 loaf pan with butter and dust with flour. Whisk the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a large bowl and set aside. In separate bowl whisk together the butter and sugar until smooth. Whisk in eggs, vanilla, bananas and sour cream Stir in carrot and coconut. Fold the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients until just combined.

Transfer the batter to the prepared pan and bake 65 to 70 minutes until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool the bread in the pan for 30 minutes and turn out on a wire rack to cool further. Serve warm or at room temperature. This bread also freezes well, but be sure it is cooled completely before freezing.

Cappuccino Cake

The sweetened ricotta cheese makes this a special treat. Perfect for a holiday morning to have ready for your overnight guests.

You can sprinkle cinnamon sugar over the top before baking, if desired.

Deirdre is a culinary enthusiast who enjoys traveling, gardening, and needless to say works wonders in the kitchen. Deirdre, a native New Yorker, now resides in Ambler with her husband John, and can often be found entertaining family and friends. Enjoy!